McDonogh starts quick, doesn't stop, 53-0

McDonogh running back/defensive back Dwayne Stukes said the Eagles want to make their mark this season. They certainly made a big one yesterday.

So did he.

Stukes scored four touchdowns, including two on No. 4 McDonogh's first six plays of the game, as the host Eagles opened their season with a 53-0 rout of Milford Mill (1-1).

The 5-foot-11, 172-pound junior caught a 49-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bobby Sabelhaus on McDonogh's second play of the game. Stukes ran for a 9-yard score four plays later and added a 33-yard punt return plus a 36-yard run for his other scores.

Three of Stukes' touchdowns came in the first half as the Eagles rolled to a 34-0 lead at the break. Stukes finished with 113 yards on only 10 carries. He also made two catches for 69 yards and added some good punt returns.

Much of the recent publicity surrounding McDonogh has dealt with Sabelhaus and wide receiver Dennis Badham. Stukes said that did not bother him. In fact, he kind of likes it.

"I'd rather be in the shadows," said Stukes, with a smile. "I was kind of hyped. It was the beginning of the season. We're ranked No. 4. I want to be ranked No. 1."

McDonogh coach Mike Working said the Eagles will need a big season from Stukes if they are going to have a big season.

"He's a good ballplayer," said Working. "He's got to carry a major part of the load."

Stukes spent a lot of time in the backfield as McDonogh unveiled its run-and-shoot offense, one which attacked quickly and often. The Eagles scored seven touchdowns, and their longest drive was only four plays.

Sabelhaus threw just 12 times, but completed five for 182 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles finished with 314 yards of offense on just 33 plays. Milford Mill ended up with 22 yards on 43 plays.

McDonogh got off to a quick start. After Sabelhaus barely missed Badham on a long pass down the right sideline, he threw a perfect pass to

Stukes down the middle for the 49-yard score, and the rout was on.

"We wanted to score on the first play," said Sabelhaus. "As a team, we know we can score on any play. We came back to the huddle [after the first play] and said we knew we were going to score on the second."

Badham caught only one pass, but it went for a 40-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He also ran for a two-point conversion.

Sabelhaus ran for a 1-yard score in the first half and kicked three extra points. Derek Lindsey and Tom Layden each ran for second-half touchdowns.

Layden also turned in a strong performance on defense. The junior defensive end repeatedly pressured Milford Mill quarterback Andre Eure, finishing with two sacks and often forcing him out of the pocket.

The defensive end's older brother, linebacker Mike Layden, pitched in with two interceptions. Jason Taylor added two more interceptions. Strong safety Lindsey and tackle Clint Fuchs also played well.

On offense, right guard Harrison Bentley and center Adam Kaufman anchored a line that gave Sabelhaus time to throw and opened big holes for the backs.

"We've been practicing for four weeks," said Working. "Our kids were really glad to play someone."

Or as Sabelhaus said: "We want to show the other teams in the area that we are for real. We want to go undefeated."